Opel Astra (2022) On Way To Ireland!

Opel Ireland has confirmed that the new sixth generation Opel Astra will arrive in Ireland in early 2022, with prices and equipment to be released closer to launch.

Sheer, taut surfaces characterise this latest Astra and the German brand’s distinctive new ‘Vizor’ face, seen already on the new Mokka and Crossland on sale in Ireland.

The 2022 Opel Astra will be available in petrol, diesel and for the very first time, as a plug-in hybrid.

Designed, developed and manufactured at Opel’s headquarters in Germany, the new Opel Astra will launch as a sporty five-door with a low-slung look, yet it gains more interior space than its predecessor. Thanks to especially short front overhangs, the new Astra is only 4.0mm longer than the previous model, despite the considerably increased wheelbase of 2,675mm (+13mm). The new Astra’s practical boot with adjustable floor still offers the driver and four passengers 422 litres of luggage volume.

The interior has also been radicalised with an all new ‘Pure Panel’ dashboard design similar to the latest Mokka. This expansive, digital cockpit features two 10-inch seamlessly integrated horizontal displays. With a shutter-like layer that prevents upward reflections in the windscreen, the design has dispensed of a hood over the displays, to further enhance the high-tech functionality and ambience.

Key settings such as climate control can still be operated via physical controls in the form of finely crafted keys, said to achieve the optimum balance between digitisation and intuitive operation. There is no need for cables either since the new generation of infotainment systems can be connected as standard on all model variants to wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, operated by voice control or by touch.

Opel’s ergonomic AGR seats feature with the position of the front seats now 12mm lower than in the previous model, further enhancing the feeling of a sporty drive. A wide range of optional adjustments are on offer, from electric tilt to electro-pneumatic lumbar support. In Nappa leather-trim, they offer ventilation, massage for the driver and heating at the rear as well as the front. Seats trimmed in Alcantara are also available.

The new Astra is based on the third generation of the highly flexible EMP2 multi-energy architecture, with Opel DNA built in from the start of development. The steering and lateral stiffness of the chassis are designed for high control. The torsional rigidity of new Astra is 14% higher than its predecessor model. Like every Opel, the all-new Astra is “Autobahnproof”: high-speed capability was a primary development objective.

The new Astra’s architecture also incorporates the latest automated driver assistance systems. In addition to the multifunction camera in the windscreen, the technology comprises four body cameras (one at the front, one at the rear and one on each side), five radar sensors (one at the front and one at each corner), as well as ultrasonic sensors front and rear. This enables the system to adapt speed in curves, make speed recommendations and perform semi-automatic lane changes. Hands-off detection, rear cross-traffic alert, long-range blind-spot detection, active lane positioning, adaptive cruise control, Stop & Go are all features, dependent on trim and transmission.

The latest evolution of the adaptive Intelli-Lux LED® Pixel light comes straight from Opel’s flagship Insignia and, with 168 LED elements, is said to lead the way in the compact and midsize market sectors.

The new Astra will be available from the start of sales with powerful plug-in hybrid electric drive as well as petrol and diesel engines, electrifying Opel’s compact class model for the first time in the brand’s history. Power ranges from 110hp to 130hp with the petrol and diesel variants and up to 225hp output with the plug-in hybrid variants. A six-speed gearbox is standard on the petrol and diesel power units, with an eight-speed automatic transmission (electrified on the plug-in hybrids) optional on the more powerful engines.

Order books for the new Astra open this autumn with first deliveries due to customers early next year.